Benjamin Beach reopens; Heckscher's Field 6 closed

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services said it will open Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore to bathing Thursday after results of recent samples show the water quality "to be within acceptable levels."

But swimming is prohibited at Field 6, West Beach, at Heckscher State Park in East Islip, because of "unacceptable" water quality levels, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said Thursday.

And Copiague Harbor Beach remains closed in Copiague because of what the county health department called "the finding of excess levels of bacteria" in the water there.

State officials said results from additional water quality testing will be reviewed to determine when Field 6 at Heckscher will reopen. Meanwhile, Field 8, normally closed weekdays, will be opened Thursday to give swimmers a bathing option, officials said. Park beach information is available at 631-581-2100.

And county officials said that residents seeking the latest information on affected county beaches can call the bathing beach hotline at 631-852-5822 or the department's Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760.

You can also visit the website: www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health and under "Our Environment," click "Beaches."